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FIRST-PERSON: ‘Let go and let God’

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DURHAM, N.C. (BP)–“He still thinks he can do it on his own!” another disappointed parent confessed.

The most recent bearer of this sad news was explaining why his son’s name, which had been on the waiting list for admission to Hebron Colony, a Christian treatment facility for those hurting with drug abuse problems, had been removed at his son’s request. The young man had slipped temporarily back into his self-made hole of agony after receiving a healthy paycheck.

We always try to reason with parents. “Why don’t you refuse to employ your wayward son unless he gets help for his problem?” But the frustrated businessman was afraid his son would only find another job and wander further into the dark world that promised no certain return. “At least, he’s near enough that I can keep my eye on him,” the man insisted. “And he’s doing better right now!” But for how long?

A recent letter from a mother who has agonized through the loss of two sons to alcohol rejoiced in the improvement recently in the life of her third son, who also has struggled for years with alcohol. She acknowledged later in the letter that her pride was tempered by her own understanding that he was working toward the right goal (sobriety), but doing it the wrong or hard way. He has previously tried the meetings, the sponsors and the whole misguided routine of those who have been convinced that their disease can be controlled, but that they are doomed to wear their sad nametags the rest of their days on this earth.

This young man needs to try the surefire way to permanent recovery, the substitution of something stronger than the addiction, and that, of course, is a lasting trust and dependence on Jesus as Savior and Lord of life. At this dark point in life, he needs to let go and let God! Our Lord is still in the healing business.

This dedicated Christian woman has tried to convince her son that his personal efforts are meaningless without the Lord’s help. Your authors finally realized the futility of their efforts at the gates of their own personal hells and grasped for hope. They found it in Jesus. And it is our constant prayer that these who seek recovery on their own will finally cry out for help. It’s available, just around the corner.

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Another father called recently to inform us of a son who had tried a stay at a Christian treatment facility. The son refused the full treatment regimen recommended that included a six-month stay at a Christian halfway house and had fallen once again. “This time we’re determined to make him stay the course,” the discouraged father promised. “I’m insisting that he go through the primary treatment program twice before going to the halfway house. Every time he figures he can handle things on his own, he fails miserably. This time we’ll insist that he get help and stay with the program.”

We pray that this is true, but one important ingredient still is missing. This young man must choose to get well. By God’s grace, healing is available to those who take the first step to let go and let God have His way.

The other day a young man entered Bethel Colony. He had managed to hide his problem from family and friends for a time. But the truth eventually became obvious, and he soon admitted to himself that the problem was more than he could handle. For him, the future seems bright, even though it may be a long, hard road back.

He has turned to Christ for his help. Our Lord never promised us that things would always be easy, but He did promise us the strength to overcome. Jesus is the hope of a sick world. He is our hope!
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The authors of this monthly column share their ministry in church pulpits and through articles and books. For further information or advice, you may contact them through Ted Stone Ministries, P.O. Box 1397, Durham, NC 27702, or you may call (919) 477-1581.